Islamic State calls on fighters to disrupt Egypt’s vote with attacks

Sinai affiliate of the jihadist group warns voters it will assault polling stations during balloting days in March

Illustrative: This photo posted on a file sharing website Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, by the Islamic State Group in Sinai, shows a deadly attack by terrorists on an Egyptian police checkpoint, Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, in el-Arish, north Sinai, Egypt. (Islamic State Group in Sinai, via AP)

CAIRO — A video purportedly by the Islamic State’s affiliate in Egypt is calling on its fighters to stage attacks during next month’s presidential elections and warning Egyptians to stay away from polling centers.

The authenticity of the 23-minute video posted late Sunday on websites known to be sympathetic to the group could not be independently verified, but appeared similar to past releases by the group.

It makes a brief mention of an ongoing offensive by security forces against IS, suggesting it was made after the campaign began Friday.

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